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DEL.ICIO.USRalph Reed: ‘Jeremiah Wright has energized conservative grassroots more than any individual this year.’ Um, that would include John McCain.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ralph Reed spoke at the Atlanta Press Club on Thursday evening.
The occasion was a book-signing for his new political thriller. But apparently, Reed also recognized that this would be his first appearance before a squad of local journalists since his 2006 campaign for lieutenant governor.
A number of his close friends and supporters were summoned, and in fact everyone behaved. All questions focused on the future. None dwelled on the past.
Reed had plenty to say about the current presidential contest, and especially about Barack Obama.
Here’s a chunk of it, mostly verbatim:
“If this election is about style and personality, I think it will be very difficult for John McCain to win. If it’s about substance, I think it will be very hard for Barack Obama to win.”
The ground favors a Democrat, as does the issue mix.
“Left to their own devices, the American people desperately want to elect a Democrat. But it’s very unclear that they want to elect Barrack Obama. The sheen has really come off of him.
“More than anybody else, I think Jeremiah Wright probably did more to energize the conservative grass roots and bring them home to McCain than any other single individual this calendar year.
“Not just him and the things that he said, but frankly the way Obama mishandled it. First of all, sort of half-jokingly saying, hey, everybody’s got a crazy uncle in the family that they don’t agree with.
“And then saying, well, I wasn’t there for any of those statements. Which then raised the question of how often he was there. And then giving the race speech in Philadelphia in which he said I could no more disown Reverend Wright than I could disown the African-American community — which I thought was a fairly startling statement.”
Reed said further attention should be paid to Obama’s Chicago connections, and his rating by the National Journal as the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate.
I think that if John McCain is prepared to run a campaign where he will lay out the stark contrasts between where he stands on the issues and where Obama stands on the issues, and if he’s prepared to define Obama in a general election environment on those terms, I think McCain can win.
The electoral college contest is already close, Reed said, “with Obama, I would argue, as strong as he’s ever likely to be.”
No Democrat, from the age of Jackson through the ’04 election, has ever been elected president without carrying at least four Southern states. Clinton did it twice. He did it in different states, but he did it….
“While I know Obama says he’s going to be more competitive in the South, I challenge anybody to show me the four states he’s going to carry. I think he’ll make Virginia very competitive. I don’t think he’ll take Georgia. I don’t think he’ll win Mississippi. He’s trailing today in Alabama by 24 points.”
I think you’ll agree that “if [McCain is] prepared to define Obama in a general election environment” is the key phrase in Reed’s analysis. He’s telling the Republican nominee that the only way he can win is to run a harsh, unsparing campaign. It’s going to get ugly.
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Comments
By John
June 12, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Poor Ralph, he still doesn’t get it. His 15 minutes are up.
By Tonto
June 12, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Reed didn’t say run a harsh campaign. He said McCain had to “define” Obama. That, to me, would mean revealing his close friends: Terrorists Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dorn; the aforementioned Wright(“G.D” America);Tony Rezko, whom Obama got such a sweet real estate deal with—before Rezko’s corruption indictment. You get the picture of the man by the people he hangs out with. These are close friends of Obamas for decades. McCain can’t really criticize Obama’s record because he doesn’t really have one. Hillary stated this fact very succinctly(necessarily)when she contrasted her record and McCain’s record and Obama’s…speech.
By Lynne
June 12, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Wow….let us all take a moment to just ponder the fact that Ralph Reed thinks more attention should be paid to associates of Barack Obama….this is priceless.
By SharonH
June 12, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Ralph Reed is “startled” because his association with crooks squashed his aspirations. I imagine he feels slighted because of this. It’s not fair, is it Ralph?
Ralph Reed Abramoff bribes Casinos Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS
althogether now…..
Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS
Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS Ralph Reed Abramoff. bribes! CASINOS
By Ljdawg
June 12, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Oh I get it! You mean like define McCain on issues like why he dumped a wife which had waited five years for him while he was a POW upon his return from captivity? Or define why he turned around and married a far younger rich women on the rebound? Oh and what about her and the DEA issues were she worked a plea deal after getting caught stealing drugs from a charity she created? Or define McCain on his Keating 5 issues were he was instrumental in orchestrating a bail out of the S&L which cost tax payers billions? Look this can go on and every time we look up, gas has gone up another .10 cents! STICK TO THE ISSUES!!!!! REMOVE THE LABELS!!!!!!! And let’s figure who is going to fix this mess we call a nation! It is so sad how people rush to claim they love this nation more than some other race, group or party! This kind of thinking is why WE! those of us who are down here fighting for scraps that are leaving the table quickly we always be slave to the politicians (of both parties!) instead of them working for us!
By Frederick Douglass
June 12, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Here’s another Obama angle. Three weeks ago, Obama and Rev. Wright were seen at a suburban Chicago bar called the Out Break lounge, both were drinking Bloody Marys with reputed under world figure Sal (Big Boy) Monella. Two days after this clandestine meeting, a nationwide salmonella outbreak involving tomatoes was visited upon the land, ergo, Obama and Wright should be blamed for that too.
By RJ
June 13, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Selling a book is one thing, trying to maintain relevance in a transforming political environment is quite another. Who is Ralph Reed anyway?
By Rarl Kove
June 13, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Obama’s Rev. Wright wing chickens, are coming home to roost. He knew what kind of church he went to, or he’s stupid. It is one or the other. I am insulted by his flimsy excuses. Obama is a fraud.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
June 13, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
How very amusing that Landslide Ralph should be giving advice to a candidate. Ralph should be in jail, dreading nightly the return of his of his gigantic cell mate. Abramoff is in prison and his accomplice, Ralph Reed, should be there too. In code, Ralph is saying that McCain should inform the people of the South that Obama is a black man. Ralph, we already know and we are going to elect him. The white scumbag who has ruined this nation is the worst person ever to purloin that high office. McCain would carry on the same programs that originated with Hitler. We want a break! And we don’t want to hear anything else from your perverse, lying mouth boy!
By Sam1234
June 13, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
Forget Rev. “Crazy Eyes” Wright. Obama is a Muslim. He denies it which makes it all the more sinister.
By D'angelo
June 13, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this
I have seen the video of Mrs. Obama blaming whitey for everthing under the sun. The Obama has bigger thing to worry about other than Rev. Wright and his Muslim ties.
By Craig
June 13, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this
There is no video D’angelo. You’re a liar.
By al
June 13, 2008 4:33 AM | Link to this
Our country is over and doomed by the Obama crowd: higher taxes, more entitlement programs, less competetiveness for our products to line up with unions (wake up Detroit), less defense, weaker families, gay marriages, more abortions, flood gates open to completely ignorant religions, especially his strong muslim ties.
By Joyce
June 13, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
Regardless of what Ralph Reed may have or may not have done in the past, he speaks the truth about Obama and his cronies. The man is not trustworthy. He’s a liar, elitist, racist, a do-nothing politician who has bamboozled the crowds into thinking he is the Mesiah and is going to save us from that evil Bush. The only person who could have saved us got cheated out of the nomination. This is the year I don’t vote because I cannot vote for either one of these candidates in good conscience.
By Independant Bob
June 13, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
our country is over and doomed by the McCain Crowd-higher Debts, more time in Iraq, More $ to the middle east to make war against Iran, less jobs here as companies continue to get tax breaks for going overseas,less benefits for our soldiers(McCain won’t give them the GI bill because he’s afraid they might choose to go to college vs. re-enlist), weaker families because no one cares. (See Katrina) more bigotry against gays, Christian right-wing intolerance, and continued out and out lies. Barack Obama is NOT a Muslim!!!! These old Bush/Rove tactics won’t work anymore in the 21st century, America deserves better from the republican party We need to get out of Iraq and fix the economy. Obama understands this, McCain doesn’t. That what the issues are.= this text will be bolded
By Go Ralph!
June 13, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
We need more leaders like Ralph Reed. Georgia is very fortunate to have such a strong and vocal conservative on their side. I hope for the best this election, but I feel that conservatives will be in for a rough next 4 years. Say goodbye to any disposable income, because it will sure be taken from us in the form of taxes. Don’t you just love gov’t programs and handouts! Less Gov’t=More Freedom. Everyone, support yourself and don’t depend on the gov’t. I don’t see why anyone wants to be dependent on the gov’t and not be self-sufficient…it boggles my mind.
By Abe
June 13, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Independent Bob:
It sounds like you want hope. And change. And if that is the depth of your curiosity, then your homework is done. Congratulations.
By Donald
June 13, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
The problem is putting Conservative and Republican togethor. There is no longer a party for the Conservatives. Look at our Senators, both are Republican and neither are conservative. Both want amnesty for illegals and are for taking more rights away from Americans. They are blind followers of Bush who is a Globalist and not an American.
By WAW
June 13, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, Sen Obama must disavow Rev Wright and defend his wife’s honor. Sen McCain must disavow Ralph Reed, President Bush, Fox News, and talk radio. Even the Supreme Court probably needs to be added to the list. Maybe Southern Baptist. Why not just go ahead and disavow the Republican Party? Poor guy!
By Copyleft
June 13, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
It’s fun to watch all the right-wing panic and desperate digging over Obama. They’re really scared of this guy, which can only mean good things for America.
By billfrancisco
June 13, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Truth is Obama is not a terrible person. He is however very political and has associated with whoever he needed to to get ahead. He is far to inexperienced to get the job done as president. No amount of attacks on either candidate changes this basic truth..
By Pee'er Pressure
June 13, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
If Ralph Reed was wearing his flag pin during his speech, then he’ll win in November. Yes, Americans are THAT stupid.
That’s why the Saudis own us.
By tom ga hunter
June 13, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Obama=4 more years of Jimmy Carter McCain=4 more years of George W. Bush Bob Barr= NONE OF THE ABOVE
Easy decision for me.
By marilyncw
June 13, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
When did John McCain serve as president…. “Exactly”, neither has experience at being president. A good president surrounds himself with great advisors. Obama is ahead on that front. He pulled off the upset in the by choosing a great election support team.
By GeorgianNewswatcher
June 13, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Wasn’t it Ralph Reed who was caught up in that Abrimoff controversy a few years ago?
By flip wilson
June 13, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
“it’s going to get ugly” … you think? when is the last time the republicans ran any other kind of campaign? that’s ok, everything is great - four more years!
By GMAN
June 13, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Sam1234 and D’angelo are the type of liars that dominate the Retardican Party and have been in the White House for the past 7 1/2 years! “Nov08 the end of an error!”
By Obama 08
June 13, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Since Ralph Reed wants to talk numbers and math…here’s some interesting math —-No Republican has one an incumbent democratic seat since the ‘06 Mid term elections, this includes the states that he mentioned in the south —-Obama will have more than 1 million voters mobilized on election day, which scares the heck out of the GOP —-He has raised record sums of money from individual donors…The seats up for grabs in the house and senate based on Obama campaigning with candidates will give the Dems the majority in both houses
The political map is changing sir and you represent what is a part of the old guard…change is coming
By Yeah Right
June 13, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
The GOP tried to use Jeremiah Wright against the Democratic candidate in Mississippi and it completely blew up in their face. If it doesn’t work in Mississippi it probably won’t work anywhere else. On another note, if the GOP can’t get its grassroots together enough to win in Congressional seats in 60% Republican districts in Louisiana, Mississippi and in Denny Hastert’s old district I think the situation is dire for Republicans. People are sick of the same old conservative talking points and name calling. McCain is more of the same and Saxby is an immoral, draft dodging, lap dog for George W. Bush. Far beyond the Democratic base the Republican brand is toxic. A huge wave of change is coming and it will effect all of the nation politically.
By Back to the People
June 13, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
We need a strong 3rd party contender. It is time to eliminate some of the Washington bureaucracy and give the country back to the people a little. I am tired of being taxed to death. Personally, in talking about Obama, it is startling that someone with his radical associations have made it this close to the presidency….scary time for America!
By Sobecat
June 13, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Giant douche or turd sandwich.
By webspinner
June 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
D’angelo, you are a liar. The video does not exist.
By betty boop
June 13, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Goodness gracious. I never realized the Repubs were so terrified of Obama. Friend of terrorists — come on now. Frothing racist — of which race since he is of mixed races, or is that your white Republican uptight, racial purist problem guys. As for McCain needing to define Obama, I think McCain is going to have a hard enough time defining himself as being anything but W warmed over and served again - stale, cold, sour and unpalatable. But who listens to Reed, Betty Boob certainly doesn’t — Ralphie sit down and shut up before you make your on party sick. Betty Boop
By Tom Wyatt
June 13, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
I took the time to read each comment to get a feel for how this Ralph Reed piece would influence general readers of AJC Online.
The opinions here are interesting…..WOW and simply underscored with myriad racial rhetoric and overtones. As a Moderate African American Republican in Georgia this does not surprise me! One things for sure- the forthcoming General Election between John and Obama will be spirited at a minimum! I hope we the voters will not fall for clearly the racial strategies and ignorance leveraged, but rather the issues such as Economic Policy, National Defense, Healthcare, Social Security vs. Personal Retirement Accounts etc.
Regarding Ralph Reed, it’s apparent that the man and his lobbying firm are quite capable, and at this point had the Feds found anything substantive he would have indeed been “called-in”. I’ve met Ralph in person and chatted with him several times. In my opinion Dr. Reed lost the Lt. Governor’s Race because on a personal level he does not come across nearly as genuine or personable as Casey Cagle. Furthermore, Georgians seem to be less enthusiastic with candidates who appear “overly” associated with Washington D.C. at the time that they make their first run for State Office.
As a follower of both State and National Politics I would love for Ralph to do a “talk” assessing his own election. I believe it would be well attended, and it would demonstrate some humanistic qualities on his behalf. Further, in an odd way it probably would bode well for his business.
Nevertheless, Dr. Reed has been great for Republican Politics, policy in General, and his associations over-all I contend keeps Georgia on the “map” and well positioned for great opportunities.
By betty boop
June 13, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Honey, Ralphie boy lost to Chicken Casey not because he was less personable than Cagle; he was less of everything. The scandals in his background came zipping out and Casey graciously made hay while the sun shone.
I read the Ralphie Rant and it is like the rest of his rants —- sooooo not interesting.
You can bet the race will be lively and the Repugs will play dirty — what else is new? They swift-boated Kerry, vilified Max, and they will run true to form again and again and again until they are stopped. Ralphie is the least of the pundits and I do mean the least, the very least, least squared.
Betty Boop has a bull meter and the needle is flipping back and forth in the overloaded zone. Yes, indeed, let’s hope the voters look beyond the little pundit and the bigger pundits and the racists and the alarmists and all the other nasty little Republican games and look at the issues like an economy in the toilet — from the huge surplus Clinton left to the 6+trillion dollar debt that your children and grandchildren will be paying off, to the crisis in the environment, that nasty little war that W is tring to divert you from by swaggering in front of you want we need to do in Iran, like the crisis of $5 a gallon gasoline, like the subprime lending scandal, like how much Republican cronies in the oil companies and defense contractors like Haliburton are making out of your poor overworked pocket book.
Betty Boop’s pocket book has snapped shut and she’s going to vote the varmits out of office.
Betty Boop
By Obama '08
June 13, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Obama will be good for America. As one of his supporters, I believe the following:
1.Higher payroll taxes are good for citizens and the economy because it’s better to have less take-home pay than more take-home pay. 2.Higher Social Security taxes are good for taxpayers. 3.Higher capital gains taxes promote capital formation and investment by businesses. 4.Historically (JFK, RR, GWB), lowering taxes on individuals means more tax revenue to the federal government—and the opposite is true as well. But in THIS instance (with Obama), higher taxation will result in increased tax revenue to the government. 5.An additional $1 per gallon global warming gas tax helps me provide for my family’s future. 6.Government-run healthcare is a good thing—especially since the federal government has such an outstanding record running things. 7.The best way to fight terrorism and safeguard our interests in the Middle East is to not have a presence there. Our leaving Iraq is good policy—and after all, it’s what Iran’s President wants us to do. This way, he will be nice to us. 8.Global trade is a bad thing and should be minimized. We should not reward countries such as Colombia (who have effectively battled cocaine drug lords) by giving them an expanded capability to buy things we produce. We should punish Colombia and insist they return to an economy more reliant on cocaine exports to the U.S. 9.People should not be judged by the company they keep. An individual can have convicted felons, terrorists, former terrorists, and racists as close friends but not approve of their shortcomings. Haven’t you ever had a crazy uncle? 10.Experience and good judgment are overrated. A good slogan, nice suit, functional TelePrompTer, and big smile more than make up for those old fashioned attributes.
Peace. Obama ‘08.
By Abe
June 13, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Betty Boop:
With such a warm and approachable personality—always quick with a kind word or good idea—I bet you are a joy to live with.
Here’s a link for you so that you’ll be more informed about economics in the future.
http://www.polyconomics.com/ssu.html
And by the way, Ralph Reed is not running for president.
Take care.
By JK
June 13, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
I cannot believe the Republicans in this state have not shoved a sock in this guy’s mouth and stuffed him in the trunk of his own car. I look forward to the further embarrassment he will bring upon the Republican Party. Besides, Goobernor Sonny could use a temporary reprieve before he announces his next big plan: Praying for gas!
By The Truth Comes Out
June 13, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Obama 08, That was great! You hit the nail on the head my friend. We must forgive his supporters however for they know not what they do!
By betty boop
June 13, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Abe, sweetie. Betty B isn’t running for President either. Whee! If the best you can do is attack me, go ahead. If Ralpie boy is your fair haired laddie, then no wonder the bovine smell from that direction is so lush! O’Bama 08 did hit the nail on the head, unfortunately his thumb was under it. Wonder what OB’s excuse is for the state of the economy? Does he think that few $$ he got back on his taxes will make up for what he has lost in the tank of his SUV just this month? Betty knows better and so do the voters. Does OB boy think that the foreclosures on the courthouse steps every first Tuesday here in Georgia are good for the economy. Betty B knows better and the congress is beginning to see it too —- the only one who does not seem to understand the problem is W’s little protege, McCain. Whatever the Dems did during the Clinton administration — the economy was strong and Betty B made a nice little pile. On the other hand, W’s policies have cost me over $3500 in interest income this year and we have not yet completed the second quarter. I believe the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. McCain plans to do the same thing W did and expects what change in result? Now, now, I recommend OB check out the history books. Since when has a third party every one somebody else’s civil war? Since when is sticking to a policy that was the direct and proximate result of a lie a good thing? Betty Boop
By Sam1234
June 13, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
This country will never elect a Muslim president. Obama is a closet muslim.
By Sam1234
June 13, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Obama is a “sleeper” Muslim.
By betty boop
June 13, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Oh, my. First racism and now religious intolerance. The cold sweat of fear dripping down the noses of the Republicans has a smell like no other.
Look back a little — JFK’s first race (which he won) and substitute Catholic for Muslim and it was the same comments.
Luv a duck — you guys are gonna have to come up with something better.
Betty Boop says shame on you.
By Wackolibhack
June 14, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
smells like bacon i hate bacon l love pork@beans i hate bush
By Jesus Christ
June 14, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
I’m a Jew my mom’s a w******* and I haven’t seen my Pop since I was 5 and he said, “Promise me son not to do the things I’d done walk away from trouble when you can ‘cause you ain’t got to fight to be a man”
By Wackolibhack
June 14, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
It is Bush’s fault that it smells like bacon. It is Bush’s fault that I love pork@beans. I hate Bush!!!
By Aaron Humes
June 15, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
Give it up, Ralphie!
Don’t give opinions as an expert when you can’t win your own election.
By GodHatesTrash
June 15, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
There’s only one thing worse than a crazy black evangelical like Wright - a crazy white evangelikkkal like Ralph Reed.
Fundamnentalist Christianity/KKKhristianity - like fundamentalist Islam, religion for the retarded.
By SpaceyG
June 15, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
“A squad” of local press? I think it was just you and me, hon. Nice vase of rocks behind your head on Georgia Gang today, BTW. Those belong in Phil Kent’s head?
By Sam1234
June 15, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
This country will never elect a Muslim president. I don’t care how many Rev. “Crazy Eyes” Wrights ObamaOsama surrounds himself with. He is closet muslim. or at best a terrorist sympathizer. Why do you think he wants to talk to the crazies in Iran? They are his buddies, of course.
By Rarl Kove
June 15, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
“A squad of local press?” Is that like a murder of crows?
By Bitter EX democrackkk
June 16, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this
There’s a story circulating now that shows clearly that NObama WAS born and raised mooslim until adulthood… His brother Malik Obama verifys in the article…
www.IsrealInsider.com/politics/obama
posted June 13, 2008
By ma272zda
November 12, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this
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